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Classic/Antique Car Repair/powerglide transmission faliure

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Expert: - 4/15/2009


Question
we have fitted a second hand ( first mistake ) alloy powerglide to our '55 chevrolet after the demise of the cast iron unit ( car has tow bar, second mistake ).No mods to the box that we are aware of.The oil level when engine is running is showing full, I can crack a flare nut on the trans cooler a get oil pressure but have no drive or reverse gears. The other tell tale is a loud ratatattat which eventually grinds to a halt upon selecting park while the engine is running, I'm assuming this is the park detent.Any thoughts?

Answer
The parking pawl is connected to the output shaft inside the transmission. because you have a ratchetting noise when you try to put the rig in park tells me that there is motion to the very final part of the transmission. This means that one of the following is a possibity:
1. the output shaft is broken in the tail shaft of the transmission.
2. the drive shaft is not engagining with the out put shaft spline.
3. check to see if the drive shaft is turning with the engine running and in gear. If it is the problem is in the rear end.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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